Cylinder construction for washing machines or the like



Sept 10 1940- A. H. HAB'ERSTUMP 2,214,131

' A CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHINGMACHINES CR THE LIKE Filed nay 15, 19:51 Sheets-sheet 1 s? o 10i .96

Sept. l0. 1940 Y A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,214,131

CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES OR-'I''Q` LIKE Filed my 15. 195'.' s sheets-'Snag 2 v Sept 10, 1940 H. HABERSTUMP CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES 0R THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Hay l5, 1937 Patented Sept. 10, 1940 PATENT ori-*lcs CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION' FOR WASHING' MACHINES OR THE LIKE Delaware Application May 15, 1937, Serial No. 142,752

10 Claims. (Cl. 684142) The present invention relates to cylinders for washing machines and the like of the type comprising a cylinder mounted for rotation on a substantially horizontal axis and surrounded by an imperforate tub adapted to contain a suitable treating liquid. The goods to be treated are dis,- posed within the cylinder which is perforated to expose the goods to the liquid as it is rotated.

It has been found desirable for reasons of economy in construction and because of the ease with which goods may be placed within and removed from the cylinder that the latter be attached to a shaft mounted in cantilever fashion in bearings carried by a suitable support. For instance, the support may be constructed after the manner disclosed and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 135,955, led April 9, 1937. The cylinder of the washing machine of the type described is subjected to considerable stress, especially when the goods are not evenly distributed therein. This is particularly true when the cylinder-is rotated at high speeds for extracting the liquid from the goods.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cylinder capable of withstanding stresses imposed thereon for a considerable period of time and which may be constructed by convenient fabricating processes.

A more specic object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved cylinder comprising a plurality of panels adapted rmly to be secured to spoke members by seaming and welding operations, whereby the cylinder is made structurally strong and in a simple manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement for securing the cylinpounding of the goods. In order to construct the cylinder at a low cost and to keep down the operating costs it should be made as light as possible. On the other hand, if made too light it may be easily battered.

It is a further object of this inventionito provide a new and improved cylinder baille construction which resists deformation.

Another and further object of the invention is to provide the central panel of the cylinder with axial ridges which add both to the structural strength of the cylinder and the eiliciency of operation of the washing action.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will lbecome apparent as the following description proceeds. In the course of this description reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal axial section through a washing machine provided with a cylinder constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2is a transverse section through the tub and cylinder, taken along the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view, partially in section, of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 2, illustrating the details of the mounting of the spokes and rear panel to the hub;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section, taken`-along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, showing the details of the baille construction and the construction of the joint securing together the spoke, rear panel and center panel of the cylinder;

Fig. 5 vis a fragmentary transverse. section, taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, showing details of the center panel;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse section, taken along the line 6 6 of Fig. l, showing further details of construction of the baille and the method of securing the ends of the center panel together; y

Fig. I is a fragmentary plan view of the center panel end joint shown in section in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through a modied form yof washing machine cylinder;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary rear elevation of the cylinder shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. `101 isa perspective view of a spoke used in the construction of the modied form of cylinder, and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view, partly in section, of the hub shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Referring rst to Fig. 1, it may be noted that 'the supporting means l0 for the cylinder has been illustrated in part only and t t the usual surrounding cabinet and actuating lapparatus for the cylinder have been omitted entirely. It should be understood, however, that the cylinder may be used with any of the washing machines or similar apparatus known to those skilled in the art. The support illustrated may be conthe cylinder shaft extends.

` supports.

structed after themanner disclosed in my above mentioned copending application, but as far as the description of the present invention is concerned, it is deemed sufilcient to state that the support comprises a rectangular base (not shown) front bearing support I2 and a generally diagonal supporting a substantially triangular vertical and relatively narrow rear bearing support I4. The latter extends downward through a central aperture I6 in the front support to 'a point of attachment near the front end of the base di-` rectly below the front end of the cylinder.

The diagonal support |4 is preferably Aintegrally secured, as by welding, to right-angled flanges I8 on opposite sides and bottom of the aperture I6. The upper vertical portions of both the front and rear bearing supports I2 and I4 are welded to a substantially U-shaped intermediate support 20 provided with peripheral flanges 22 adapted to be Welded to complementary fianges 24 formed on the front and rear The intermediate support is further provided with a right-angled flange 26 adapted to be Welded to opposed ears 28 formed integral with the rear support I4. The flange 26 is provided with transverse flanges 30 adapted to be welded to a. diagonal upper central portion 32 of the front bearing support l2.

A cylinder shaft 34 is mounted for rotation on a substantially horizontal axis in' a pair of bearings 36 and 38 mounted in the front and rear supports, respectively. 'I'he bearings are held in place by bearing sleeves 40 each provided with opposed internal shoulders 42 into which fit complementary annular shoulders 44 formed by internally hanging the apertures through which The shaft is adapted to be rotated by a suitable prime'mover (not shown) driving a pulley 50 secured to the shaft by means such as a set screw 52 through a belt 54. The pulley is secured to the shaft intermediate the front and rear supports in the space provided by the U- shaped intermediate member 20 and it is provided with a bearing surface 56 adapted to engage the front end of the rear bearing 38, where-` by the shaft is prevented from moving more than a predetermined distance to the rear.

'Ihe shaft is prevented from moving more than a predetermined distance in the forward direc-- tion by resilient movement-restricting means comprising a pair of washers 58 having disposed between them a resilient. concave washer 60. One of the washers 58 is adapted to bear against the rear end of bearing 38 and the other is maintained in position by a C washer 62 mounted in an annular groove 64 formed at the rear end of cylinder. "Ihe liquid may be supplied thereto.

through a suitable inlet andA likewise drained.

therefrom from a suitable outlet. As fa as the vpresent'inventlon is concerned, it doesfnot matter whether the supply and drainage of liquid to the Vtub be accomplished manually or other-V wise.

The tub 68 consists of a centrally apertured front panel (not shown), a center panel 10, and

a rear panel 12. Panels 'I0 and 'I2 are joined together by an annular lock seam "I4 of usual construction and the previously mentioned front panel may be similarly secured to the center panel. The tub structure may be rigidly mounted upon the base by a vertical support (not shown) adapted to be secured to the front panel of the tub and by a plurality of screw bolts 16 adapted to be threaded into the upper end of the front bearing support I2. Leakage of liquid from the tub along the shaft is prevented by a sealing ring 18 held in place adjacent an annular shoulder formed centrally of the rear panel 12 by means of an annular shouldered collar 82 held in place in turn by the aforementioned screw bolts 16. Leakage of liquid between the exterior wall of the rear panel and the front supportlJZ is prevented by a gasket 84 also held in place by the screw bolts 16.'

The cylinder 66 is 'fabricated from a front panel 90, a-center panel 92, a rear'panel 94 and a plurality of radial spokes 96, all made of a light, non-corrosive metal such as zinc and joined together in a manner hereinafter to be described in detail to form a light but strong cylindrical receptacle. The rear panel 94 andthe spokes 96 are secured-to a hub 98 also made of zinc and die cast upon the front end of shaft 34. The hub is prevented from moving axially by an annular groove |00 formed near the front end of the shaft and from rotating relative to the shaft by knurling |02 formed on the surfaceA of the shaft coextensivewith the length of the hub.

The front end |04 of the hub is made substantially square, as may be noted from Figs. 2 and 3, and it is provided with four radially extending projections |06 of rectangular cross-,section. These are located centrally of the sides of the square end |04 and extend a short distance beyond the sides.

The rear panel is provided with a central circular transverse portion I 08 rigidly secured to the` front end |04 of the hub by four rivets IIO located at the orners of the front end. The rear panel cis generally conical in shape as it is provided with an outwardly and rearwardly extending annular wall portion ||2 having an axial length substantially equal to that of the hub.

' The rear panel is also secured to the spokes 96, preferably by welding. The spokes are substantially triangular in form, as viewed in side elevation, and have a substantially U-shaped crosssection defined by walls ||4 and bottom |I6. The space between the side walls is made just large enough so that the spokes fit snugly around the projections |06 to which they are flxedly secured by pairs of rivets II8.

The forward ends of the side walls |I4 of the spokes are provided with transverse flanges |20 abutting against the rear or inner side of the conical portion of the rear panel.. These flanges provide a ready means for welding the spokes to the rear panel.

The peripheral portion of the-rear panel 94 and the outer ends of the spokes are provided with axial rearwardly extending flanges |22 and |24, respectively, whereby these two members may be easily and securely'fastened to the center panel 92. -Before assembly the rear panelI and spokes are flanged as described above and shown in Iligs. 1 and 4, and the center panel is provided with a strengthening annular* U--shaped groove I26near its rear end. Thereafter, when`the parts are assembled on the cylinder hub, the porthereof and the groove |26 is given a reverse bend, as indicated at |30, by a Well-known seam- Jing operation to form a unitary lock joint. The

joint may be and preferably is welded at relatively close points around its length to aid in securing the parts together and in making the joint sub'- stantially liquid-tight.

In order to provide for the escape of any liquid that may enter into the hollow spoke structure formed by the spokes and rear panel, the outermost ends of the spokes are perforated, as indicated at |32.

The front panel is secured to the center panel by an ordinary lock seam joint |34. 'I'he front panel is a unitary stamping provided with a central aperture |36 corresponding in location to a similar' aperture (not shown) in the front Wall of the tub 68 and through which goods are adapted to be inserted within and removed from the cylinder. To prevent tearing of the goods as they are placed within the cylinder, the aperture |36'is provided with a peripheral bead |38.

The center panel is made of a flat strip of sheet material that is rolled into cylindrical form and secured at its ends by a lock joint |40 extending over nearly the entire width of the panel, as shown in Figs. 6 -and 7. The side portions of the center panel not included in the lock joint |40 are brought into abutting engagement and soldered together, as indicated at |42.

The distribution of goods within the cylinder and the washing action are aided by providing the center panel with internal equally spaced baffles |44 formed integrally therewith by a suitable stamping operation. In order to `prevent the continued battering of the baliles by the goods within the cylinder from deforming the outer surface of the panel, the bailes are formed so that they extend substantially to the annular groove |26 and to the front panel. The bailles have a generally triangular transverse section, as may be noted from Fig. 2, and the front and rear ends |46 and |48 thereof slope at substantially 45 rdegrees to the horizontal, as shown in Figs. l and 4. Thus, the forces created by impact' ofthe goods on the .baffles are transmitted directly to the relatively heavy and rigid portions of the cylinderdeiined by the front and rear joints rather than to the'panel surface'` itself.

Thus,.the outward bulging of the center panel,

resulting in prior constructions, is eliminated.

In order further to increase the rigidity ofthe cylinder and the efficiency of the washing action, the center panel is 'provided with a series of axially `extending inwardly projecting ridges |50.

These ridges extend substantially the width of the center panel and are located between successive series of perforations |52 that are usually provided in the center panel. From Fig. 5 it:

may be noted that the ridges are comparatively shallow and that the perforations are made by rst punching holes in the panel andthen coun- In the assembly of the cylinder the hub 08 w is first die cast upon the end of the cylinder shaft 34. The front and rear panels and spokes are then stamped into.. the shapes illustrated.

-The center panel is rst stamped and rolled and secured at its ends, as described above, to 'form a cylindrical panel. Thereafter the spok and rear panel are secured `to the hub and to each other. by riveting and welding. The center panel is then secured tothe rear panel and spokes by the previously described Aseaming and Weldingl operationsand nally the front panel is secured to the center panel by another seaming operation. 'Ihe completed cylinder may then be.

goods'in well known manner by suitable means acting through the belt and pulley. The con- .struction is well adapted to withstand the usual, and unusual stresses as well, because o f its rigidl construction. It is light and, consequentlyatakes less power to operate and may be easily handled both in fabrication and when it must be removed from the `washing machine for repairs or any other reason. Y

'Ihe baille construction prevents outward bulgingof the center panel and consequently adds to the-life of the cylinder. vThe provision of the axially extending ridges |50 on the center panel adds to the rigidity and acts as a Washboard to increase the eiciency of the washing action.

In the modified form of construction shown in Figs.8to11,thehub construction has been modified so that the cylinder shaft may be detached from the cylinder and removed from its supporting means without-the necessity of disturbing the tub surrounding the cylinder. This is accomplished by removably mounting the cylinder hub 'on theshaft in such manner that it can be easily ltions are open at their'front and outer edges and the hollow space indicated by reference numeral ,|12 may be seen=to^be substantially sector shaped'in form (see Fig. 8). The projections |10 are equally spaced from one another and are adapted to receive surrounding spokes |14 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section adapted substantially to surround three sides of the projections |10. l

The spokes comprise'substantially triangular side walls |16 and a bottom |18 having its outer end arched, as indicated at |80, to give it additional rigidity. The side walls are provided1 with transverse anges |82 which are adapted to be secured tothe front portion of the hub by welding, as shown in Fig. 9, and tothe inner side" of the conical rear panel 84 'by a reinforcing strip |86 and 'rivets l88passing through aligned apertures formed in the strip, rear'panel and spokel flanges l The rear panel '|84 is similar in construction with the rear panel of the previously described modication and is provided with a central transverse portion |90, an' outwardly and rearwardly' extending annular portion |92. having an axial length substantially equal to-that of the hub |66. 'Ihe outer end of the rear panel is provided with an axial rearwardly extending peripheral flange |04 'adapted to abut against asimilar ange |86 formed at the outer ends of each spoke.

The rear panel and spokes are held 'in assemlbled relation to each other not only by the reinforcing strlp and rivets mentioned before, but by a reverse bend |98 formed at theend of a side `portion 200 projecting rearwardly from an annular depression 202 formed near the rear end of a center panel 204.

In order removably to mount the shaft |60 in the hub |66, the transverse central portion |90 of the rear panel is apertured as indicated at 206 in order that a round-headed nut 208 may be inserted therethrough into threaded engagement with the threaded portion |64 of the shaft. The.; nut 208 is provided with a circular tapered portion 2|0 adapted to t closely against a similarly tapered side wall 2|2 of a hole 2M formed at the front end of the hub |86. The nut 208 is provided with a flanged annular extension 2|6 extending radially therefrom and adapted, when vthe bolt is threadedin place, to hold the rear panel in place therebetween and the front end of the hub. Additional rigidity is given to this portion of the structure by providing an annular reinforcing collar 2|8 ladapted to be positioned adjacent the front side of the rear panel and the anged portion 2|6 of the nut. The rear panel vand the annular reinforcing collar 2|8 are secured to the hub by four rivets 220 extending therethrough and through the front portion |68 of the hub.

In the assembly the spokes and rear panel are flrst placed adjacent each other on the hub and thereafter are welded together and riveted to each other and to the hub in an obvious manner. i

'I'he various parts through which the rivets extend are not drilled until after the assembly has been made, in order that they may be properly aligned without undue difiiculty. The assembly of the center and front panels to the rear panel and spokes is accomplished in the same manner as previously described and it is not deemed necessary to repeat that description here. After the cylinder has been completely assembled it is ready to be -attached to the shaft. 'I'his is accomplished by threading the nut 208 onthe shaft after the reduced front end |82 of the latter has been inserted into the hub. When the apparatus is assembled for the first time at the factory the shaft may be secured in place as just described previous to the assembly of the cylinder on the support into the bearings of which it may be inserted in the same manner as the previously described modication. However, after the washing machine has been assembled once'with the `stationary tub surrounding the rotatable cylinder, then the shaft may be removed from the assembly without necessity of disturbing the tub assembly. This may be accomplished merely by holding the' cylinder stationary and rotating the shaft, or vice versa, by means of which the nut 208 and shaft are rotated relative to each other to unloosen the one from the other. Once loosened, the nut 208 may be held stationary and the shaft rotated to complete thefdetachin'g operation.

It should be apparent from the above descrip'- tion that the threads l and the complementary threaded portion of the nut should be designed for the proper direction of rotation of the cylinder; that is, they should be so designed that as thecylinder is rotated the inertia forces will tend to tighten'the nut on the shaft.

whue muy two modifications of the present invention have been described, it should be ap parent to those skilled in the artthat it is sus-i around said extensions and secured to said rear panel, flanges formed at the outer ends of said spokes, a center circumferential panel .provided with a reverse bend extending around both said flanges for securing them together, and a front panel secured to said center panel.

2. A rotatable cylinder including in combination an end panel formed generally in the shape of a truncated cone, a hub, means securing said hub to the inner side of said panel, a plurality of radial tongue-like extensions on said hub, spokes of generally triangular form and U-shaped cross section having theirabase portions fitting around said tongues, means securing said spokes to said rear panel, abutting outwardly extending flanges formed on said spokes and rear panelfa center circumferential panel formed with a reverse bend extending around said flanges and welded thereto, `and a front panel secured to said center pane.

3. A rotatable cylinder including in combination a rear panel formed generally in the shape of a truncated cone, a hub having an axial length substantially the length of said conical panel, means securing said hub to said panel, a plurality of radial tongue-like extensions. on said hub, spokes of generally triangular form and U-shaped cross section having their base portions fitting closely. about said extensions, means including transverse anges on the wall portions of said spokes welded to said rear panel -for securing said spokes to said panel, rearwardly extending flanges formed on said spokes and .rear panel, a

center circumferential panel provided with a reverse bend extending around said last-mentioned flanges, whereby it serves to secure said spokes and panel together and is itself secured to the y latter, and a front panel secured to said center panel.

4. A cylinder of the type adapted to be secured to one end of a shaft rotatable along a predetermined axis includingrin combination, a hub member secured to the end of said shaft, an integral sheet of material having a at central portion securedto the front of said hub .and an annular portion extending radially and rearwardly to form a substantially conical rear panel, a plurality of tongue-likecxtensions formed on said hub, spokes of generally triangular form andf U-shaped cross section secured to said panel and fitting closely about said extensions, rearwardly extending flanges at the ends of said spokes, a peripheral rearwardly vextending flange on said rear parfel, said; flanges abutting against each other, a center circumferential panel\having a reverse bend extending around and welded at center circumferential panel having an annular inwardly extending groove adjacent the rear panel and a reverse bend extending around said flange, said center panel having integral inwardly stamped bailies extending substantially to said groove, and said baffles comprising an end Wall extending diagonally toward said groove.

6. In a cylinder of the class described, end construction comprising a generally conical end panel having an outwardly extending peripheral flange, a hub provided with a plurality of radial tongue-like extensions, spokes having a substantially triangular shape the bases of which have openings the same shape and size as said extensions and which t around said extensions andthe apices of which are provided with flanges abutting said first mentioned anges, and a center circumferential panel having a peripheral reverse bend extending around said flanges for -securing said parts together, said flanges being also welded together to form a substantially liquid-tight joint.

7. In a cylinder of the class described, end construction comprising a rear panel of integral sheet material formed substantially in the shape of a truncated cone, a hub, means securing the trun cated portion of said cone to said hub with the inner side thereof abutting-the end of the hub, a plurality of radial tongue-like extensions on said hub, a plurality of spokes of a generally triangular form and U-shaped cross sections, said spokes surrounding said extensions and secured to said rear panel, a peripheral rearwardly extend# ing flange formed on said rear panel, flanges formed on the ends of said spokes adapted to abut against said first mentioned flange, and a center circumferential panel provided with a peripheral reverse bend extending around said flanges'for securing them together, said flanged and reverse bend portions being Welded atequidistant points to form asubstantially liquidtight joint. i

8. In a cylinder of the class described, the combination including a hub, a rear panel, a plurality of spokes extending from said hub and secured to said rear panel, said spokes being substantially U-shaped in cross-section and secured with their open sides adjacent the rear panel to form substantially hollow spokes',` and drain openings at the outer ends of said spokes.

9. In apparatus of the class described, a washing machine cylinder having its end wall secured to a cast hub having imbedded therein a shaft projecting from said wall and adapted to serve as a support for said cylinder and a plurality of radial reinforcing spokes secured at their inner ends to said hub substantially throughout the length thereof and secured at'their outer portions to said end wall.

10. In an end-mounted cylinder of the type described, the combination including a driving shaft, a'hub carried at one end of the driving shaft, a generally conical rear panel having an axial length substantially equal to' that of the hub and secured thereto with the hub and shaft on the concave side of the panel, a plurality of generally triangular spokes having their wider ends secured to the full length of the hub and extending radially from the hub along the concave face of the panel, a center circumferential panel joined at its rear edge to the spokes and the rear panel around ethe circumference thereof, said center panel hav- 'ALFRED H. HABERSTUMP. 

